Parishioners clean up after St. Peter’s church vandalized

The congregation at St. Peter’s Parish in Regina have spent the last few days cleaning up after their church was broken into and vandalized.

Staff, parishioners and students from O’Neill High School pitched in to help, according to one church leader.

“One of the interesting things about incidents like this, whether it’s a senseless act like this or even a natural disaster, they always tend to bring the best out of communities,” said Eric Gurash, a deacon with the Archdiocese of Regina.

“They are adamant that they will be celebrating Mass this weekend in their sacred space.”

Gurash said sometime between Sunday night and Monday morning, somebody broke in through a window and trashed the interior of the church, including the sanctuary, choir area and entrance.

“There was broken glass and papers and hymnals and debris just strewn about the church,” he said. “A few larger pieces were damaged but nothing seems to be damaged beyond repair so we’re lucky about that.”

He said staff felt violated by the discovery, comparing it to a home being broken into.

Despite the wreckage, Gurash asked for prayers for those responsible.

“We have a faith that calls us to mercy and that calls us to pray for and love those who would hurt us,” he said. “Christ doesn’t give us much of an option in that realm. Mercy has been given and mercy must be shown.”